The Blue Frenchie is a rare and more coveted French Bulldog color. The blue in their coat comes from a rare dilute gene that his variation carries. French Bulldogs have a unique personality and intuitive nature that makes them excellent companions. However, owning a blue Frenchie puppy has challenges, especially dealing with health issues. Having more information about these four-legged friends will help you offer them the love and care they deserve.
What is a Blue French Bulldog?
The Blue Frenchie is a small, loving, and easy-going French Bulldog with unique blue fur. It also has big eyes, a flat face, and the usual bat ears that all French Bulldogs possess. Sometimes people refer to them as Blue Frenchie, blue Frenchy, Frenchie blue, or Frenchy.
This popular canine is a member of the French Bulldog breed. The blue fur coat is the only factor differentiating it from other French Bulldogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has not officially recognized them as “bred standard” but can register them. The blue might not be an ordinary fur coat color, but it is cute and draws much attention.
What DNA Do Blue French Bulldogs Have?
The 13 years I have owned bulldogs have taught me that French Bulldogs are available in different colors due to breeding. The puppies have the dilution gene, which contributes to their fur color.
One of the similarities between dogs and human beings is that their genetics determine their physical traits, including fur color. During breeding, different genes modify the two primary pigments, red and black, and create other colors like blue. Genes direct cells on the pigments to produce and the appropriate location. This process explains how the blue Frenchies acquire their unique color.
Color Variants
If you intend to own these beautiful, friendly pets, you should know that they come in numerous variations, depending on the genetic combination. The common ones include;
Blue Merle Frenchies
Most people consider the blue merle as the most attractive and exotic-looking color. Its coat is in the original color but has blue patches. Each blue merle french bulldog has a different pattern that depends on its size and shape. The blue merle is the rarest but most challenging to breed because the breeders have to mate a blue Frenchy with a merle Frenchie.
Blue Fawn Frenchies
These French bulldogs have a cloudy-like pigmentation that shows around the ears and eyes. The brindle or double recessive gene is also evident in the same areas. Most Frenchie owners prefer this type of blue Frenchies because of the unusual color blend.
Blue Brindles Frenchies
These types of dogs have a blue/gray coat with tiger-striped patterns. Additionally, their eyes are yellow, blue, or brown. Augie, my chocolate brindle French Bulldog, is one of the most beautiful and adorable frenchie I have ever seen.
Blue Pied Frenchies
A Blue Frenchie puppy under this category has light-colored cheeks and legs. They are the result of the genetic combination of the pied and solid blue French bulldogs. Blue pied Frenchies are rare because they are difficult to breed compared to other colorations.
General Traits and Characteristics of the Blue French Bulldog
It is essential to understand the primary characteristics of these pets. It makes it easier to handle them and create an excellent relationship.
Loyalty and Companionship
The blue Frenchy is laid-back, but it enjoys company. It is gentle, friendly, and sensitive. It can become the little best friend and loyal family member you have been missing.
They are Inactive
The blue Frenchy is q playful, but it loves spending most of its time relaxing. Some people describe it as “lazy.” You do not have to keep playing with these little dogs to make them happy.
They rarely bark
These small dogs only bark for a good reason. This characteristic makes them excellent watchdogs.
Social and Adaptable
These pups can quickly adapt to any environment or situation. They also interact easily with people and other dogs.
Temperament
These puppies’ temperament makes them excellent family dogs. They are attention-seeking, naturally anxious, and well-tempered. However, owners should be careful of the rare temperamental flaw that causes these Frenchies to be stubborn when they feel like they are not receiving adequate attention.
How Much Is a Blue French Bulldog?
Blue Frenchies are more expensive than other types of French bulldogs. Their price ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, with most on the higher end. Additionally, you will have to think about paying for the pet insurance plan since these dogs are prone to different sicknesses.
The breeding process is quite challenging because the breeders must find two healthy French Bulldogs with exceptional dilute genes to breed a blue Frenchie successfully. Potential buyers should know that it is likely that the cheaper Frenchies did not undergo breeding.
Is a Blue French Bulldog Rare?
In short, Yes it is a more variation of some of the more common colors. This dog type is rare because it comes from a rare dilute gene.
Why Are Blue Frenchies So Expensive?
The fact that these pups are enthralling and rare makes them quite expensive. The high price as a result of the breeding process involved in creating these beautiful animals. The breeders have to search for healthy parents with dilute genes.
The mating involved during breeding is also special because these dogs have short bodies and hips. Breeders have to incur additional costs because they have to do artificial insemination on the female Frenchie.
The cost of caring for pregnant Frenchies is another factor that makes them expensive. They require healthy and meat-based nutrition. Moreover, the breeders have to regularly conduct ultrasounds to monitor the puppies and determine whether they have enough space in the uterus.
During birth, the breeders have to perform a C-section, which is more costly than the normal puppy delivery. The puppies’ ability to only produce one or two puppies due to their small litters also increases their price.
Do Blue Merle French Bulldogs Have Health Problems?
It is crucial for every French bulldog owner to understand that any dog can experience health issues in their lives, and the blue merle French bulldogs are not an exception. Before purchasing this canine, you should remember to consult about its health history and current health status.
Various elements, such as the feeding habits of a Frenchie with historical health issues influence its quality of life, cost of care, and lifespan. Having a pet insurance plan will prepare and help you provide your little best friend enough care throughout its life.
Blue French bulldogs’ muzzled faces make them vulnerable to multiple severe health issues. Most dog owners indicate that the flat faces make the Frenchies cuter. However, this characteristic contributes to the chronic health complications that the canines develop.
According to a 2013 study on this dog breed, the most common issues affecting are skinfold dermatitis, allergies, ear infection, diarrhea, and conjunctivitis.
Skinfold Dermatitis
The folds of the Frenchie’s skin can develop infections through heat sores.
Breathing Issues
If you look closely at the face structure of puppies, you will notice that their noses are not as open and clear as those of other breeds. The obstructed airways cause these friendly animals to experience trouble breathing. For example, they breathe loudly, snore, and sniffle.
The inadequate supply of oxygen sometimes tends to affect various body functions, such as the ability to regulate and adjust their body temperatures in different weather and climates. For example, they cannot cool themselves down when the weather is extremely hot.
For this reason, their owners should protect them from heatstroke during summer. It means that you should turn on the air conditioner whenever the Frenchie is in the house. During cold weather, putting layers on the bulldog will keep it warm.
Allergies
Blue French dogs are usually unstable outside due to their severe allergies. Most of them do not undergo normal births because of their heads’ sizes. I recently discovered that being born or giving birth naturally can be dangerous to this breed’s health.
A recent study on pedigree dogs indicated that the rate for cesarean sections in the Frenchies was approximately 80%. This occurrence is relatively high compared to other breeds.
Spinal and Back Issues
These canines are likely to develop various spinal issues, such as dwarfism and Premature Disc Degeneration, because of their screw tails. Most of them deal with obesity, which further intensifies back problems and digestive disorders. The best way to protect your four-legged friend from these problems is to monitor its diet and introduce daily exercises.
Alopecia
A Blue Frenchie puppy is likely to suffer from this skin condition. Alopecia causes extreme hair loss. You might not notice that the pet has this illness, especially if it is younger than 4 months. This condition affects puppies that are between the age range of 4 months and 2 years.
If you want to know whether your little friend has this condition before making him part of the family, check out for various symptoms, such as allergic reactions, itchiness, brittle hair, dry, sore, and wrinkled skin. This illness also causes the canine to develop bald patches, especially on the spine, head, and ears.
What is needed to Care for the Blue French Bulldog
A part of making the Frenchie feel loved and a part of the family is showing it care and affection. The following strategies can help you establish a stronger connection with this unique pet.
Feeding
Diet is also a significant component of a weight management plan for a blue Frenchie. I would advise you to feed this four-legged friend like a small dog. Using a small feed bowl will help you determine the right amount of food to avoid malnutrition and overweight.
A study on weight management in dogs indicated that obese canines should have a high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet.
Regular Exercise
Most blue Frenchies deal with obesity issues, meaning that they have to exercise to manage their weight. However, their respiratory problems make them less energetic. Walking or swimming the dog for about one hour every day is enough. If possible, you can separate the hour into sessions of several walks.
As a current or potential Frenchie owner, it is essential to know that this dog breed is not good at and does not love swimming. The short legs make it difficult to stay in the water. For this reason, you should consider equipping the Frenchy with a life vest whenever it is around the beach, swimming pool, or any other water body.
Bathing
Your blue merle french bulldog deserves to always remain clean. Therefore, you should bathe him when necessary. You can consider using formulated shampoos that clean the dog’s coat and at the same time protect it from insect bites and various pests like fleas. However, you should avoid over-bathing the Frenchy because doing so would strip off the natural oils on its fur.
Cleaning the Teeth and Ears
You should also concentrate on the dog’s bat ears and teeth. It would be helpful to clean them with a soft wet cloth to prevent dirt buildup and protect them from ear infection and other conditions.
Grooming
Blue Frenchies are smooth and short-haired. Therefore, you only need to wipe them daily with a soft glove and give them a weekly brushing.
Training
Once the Frenchie puppy is old enough, you should start training lessons. This process will impact suitable lessons and help your little friend mature and become a well-behaved dog. Training also makes it less stressful for you to go together for walks or invite friends to your house without worrying about a potential dog bite or injury.
Training the Frenchie is not easy. If you are not experienced in dog training, you should consider hiring a professional dog trainer.
Final Thoughts – Blue French Bulldog
In conclusion, a blue Frenchie is one of the most beautiful and unique, yet expensive dog breeds. The blue-colored canine offers loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love. So far, it has stolen the hearts of many dog lovers. The only concern with these little dogs is their vulnerability to various health issues. Therefore, it would be wise to prioritize health, temperament, and personality over the fur color when searching for one.
PS – For more information about French Bulldogs click here.
